I've read through Romans in one sitting. Granted, I was on a silent retreat. And, granted it took longer than an hour, but I have read through it in one sitting.

I've been in several Romans Bible Studies that have lasted months.

My mother's favorite book study was a Romans study written by Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse. I have to admit I love that one too. I have the four volumes in my bookcase as I write.

Right now for me the most important verses of this book are found in chapter three. The last three verses of that chapter lend to much contemplation.

Romans 3:29-31 NLT29. After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is.30. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles31. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

If I could ever get this in my head and heart. If I could only own it with every fiber of my being, I think I would live a more peaceful and contented life.

"Only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law."

Faith in what? In Jesus Christ as the Son, Redeemer, Savior and King.

That is pretty simplistic. I know that there is much more in the book that needs to be understood. I am not debating that. I think we could spend years in the book of Romans pouring over the scripture and find so many treasures. I have found many.

But right now I am trying to conquer a tendency I have in my own life that is not a good tendency. It doesn't matter whether that tendency is seen by others or deep within me, hidden for only me to see. But, I have it.

God seems to peel me apart in layers. I'm an onion and he makes me aware of my tendency to sin layer at a time.

As a young Christian, sometimes it wasn't so gently. I wasn't really good at listening and didn't really want to. He had to stop me and cause me to see myself in some pretty devastating situations. I wish I hadn't had to go through those times, but obviously I was too stubborn to be taught any other way. Thus, those times were a wealth of growth.

But, right now I am dealing with something that I don't want in my life anymore. Will I ever remove it completely, maybe not. But I don't want it to have such a pull in my spirit.

So, as I was reading Romans recently my heart zeroed in on this particular scripture and I have been pondering it ever since.

How do I step out in faith deeply enough to bring me to fulfill the conquering of this issue?

I don't know.

But, I know that God is pleased that I am pondering it. I know that he is waiting patiently for me to take one step, and sometimes leaps into Him to find the peace that passes all understanding. To find the strength to move beyond this. To find the beauty in the journey of sanctification that He is bringing me through.

We are not here on this earth to continue in our indulgence of sin. We are here to have faith in Him and to desire, with His power and help, to conquer the destructive parts of our body, soul, and spirit.

Today, I begin once again to tear at the edge of another onion layer.

I encourage you to join me. I have no doubt, you have your own.

Can I have faith enough in the one God? Can I have faith to let God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will sanctify me. Can I allow my Redeemer, my Savior, my Friend, my King to have access enough into my heart and trust him to bring me to healing in this thing?

Can you?

Cause, isn't that really what it is all about?A Jesus follower.Becoming more and more like Jesus.

We all grow when we share our faith. Feel free to add a comment. We're all here together.

Because He is the I AM, I amrobyn rochelle cox

Every Christian needs to be reading and reflecting regularly, hopefully daily, on the bible. Doing this in community is ideal.The purpose of this website is to provide a place to grow in our personal depth with God.We do that in RR&BC membership by reading portions of scripture daily, having pondering questions asked, and sharing our walks together.You are invited to join us in our community.A place of personal reflection and growth for all Christians.

You have blessed me Laura.
I'm watching God move in amazing ways. He is the builder of this community. So thankful to Him.
May you come and join us again.

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Robyn Rochelle Cox

WHOSE AM I?

God's Girl

I want to spend my life learning how to fear God well - because when you fear God well, you have nothing else to fear

Who am I to this world?By Morning: Writer/Blogger/Reader/Prayer (well...all day)By Midday:Professional Dog WalkerBy Evening:Lover/Friend/ Companion/Hand holder to my HusbandOverall:Long Distance Mom - to 4 children and their bettersOmi - to 8 grandchildrenMama - to 3 furbabies

The Good Stuff:*My husband takes care of me - in a 1,000 different ways - I love that.*Children from all over the world calling, or texting, or Skyping and most importantly, visiting.*The Revisionaries (critique group)